ABSTRACT
Asthma is defined by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) as a chronic
inflammatory disorder of the airways, causing an increase in airway hyperresponsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness,
chest tightness, and coughing. These episodes are usually associated with
widespread but variable airflow obstruction that is often reversible (1,2).
This revised definition emphasizes two crucial characteristics of asthma:
first, the central role of chronic airway inflammation in the pathophysiology
of asthma, and second, the variable nature of the disease. Appreciation of
the key role of the underlying inflammation in asthma implies that anti-
inflammatory agents are the cornerstone of asthma therapy. Recognition of the variable nature of asthma implies that a flexible approach is needed
in the management of this disease.
